Haarlem City Tours & Restaurant De Kolk: A Culinary Cruise through Haarlem and Spaarndam

Enjoy delicious snacks during a relaxing boat trip

During the cruise, Restaurant De Kolk provides an extensive range of luxury snacks, carefully prepared and perfectly suited to the relaxed atmosphere on board. The tapas platter is a feast in itself, with freshly filled canapés, such as traditionally smoked eel from Spaarndam, fine Italian ham, a selection of delicious cheeses and refined snacks with fish, meat and vegetarian options. The freshly baked sourdough bread with creamy aioli and salted butter is a perfect addition to the drinks.

For lovers of refined flavours, there are beef carpaccio rolls with Spaarnwoude cheese and truffle mayonnaise. Hot snacks such as crispy chicken and cheese jalapeño nuggets provide a surprising bite. In addition, there are marinated garlic olives and a selection of French cheeses to complete the whole. The freshly smoked salmon with crispy papadum is a real treat for lovers of pure flavours. Those who prefer an extensive lunch or a full dinner can count on a tailor-made menu that meets all wishes.

An experience not to be forgotten

Haarlem City Tours and Restaurant De Kolk together provide an experience where relaxation and culinary enjoyment go hand in hand. Whether it is a cozy drink with friends, a business meeting or a romantic evening on the water, everything is taken care of down to the last detail. With a glass of chilled wine in hand, a table full of delicious snacks and a beautiful view of the historic waterways of Haarlem and Spaarndam, every boat trip becomes a special memory.

About Restaurant De Kolk

Restaurant De Kolk is located directly at the former lock and overlooks the charming old marina of Spaarndam. The building has a rich history. Since 1919, the Baelde family sold groceries here, until it was given a catering destination in 1967. Adri Oud started a snack bar there, which was in operation until 1 October 1980. After that, the business underwent a metamorphosis and was transformed into a fully-fledged restaurant under the name 't Stille Water.

In April 2016, Patrick and Daisy Holla opened the renovated Restaurant De Kolk here. The name was quickly chosen, referring to the unique location on "de kolk" on the east kolk. Since 2009, the water in front of the door has been moving again, because boats regularly sail through the kolk lock, which provides a lively and atmospheric view.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the warm ambiance inside or take a seat on the beautiful terrace at the old lock, where the history of Spaarndam comes together with hospitality and culinary indulgence.

About the location of the Kolk and its history

In the picturesque village of Spaarndam, situated on the banks of the Spaarne, lies a historic place that has stood the test of time: the Kolksluis. This lock, built in 1285, is considered the oldest working lock in Europe. 

At the end of the 13th century, Count Floris V of Holland ordered the construction of a dam at the mouth of the Spaarne in the IJ. This dam was to protect the surrounding land and the city of Haarlem from high water and the ingress of salt water. When constructing this dam, a wheel was used, a small lake that had been created by an earlier dike breach; this wheel is the current pool. 

In order to enable shipping between the Spaarne and the IJ, a lock was constructed in the Spaarndammerdijk in 1253. This lock made it possible for ships to pass the dike independently of the tide, which promoted trade and the economy in the region. 

Over the centuries, the Kolksluis has seen a lot. The wooden locks on either side of the lock were regularly ravaged by water violence and fires, which led to repeated repairs and reconstruction. Over time, the quay walls were replaced every 200 years or so and the lock gates were renewed every 50 years. 

Today, the Kolksluis is a beloved place for both residents and visitors. The surrounding area, with its picturesque harbour and historic buildings, breathes the atmosphere of times gone by. The lock itself is still in use and serves as a living monument to the rich hydraulic engineering history of the Netherlands.

The Kolksluis tells the story of a village that, thanks to ingenious waterworks and the resilience of its inhabitants, has withstood the forces of water for centuries.